Deep trench isolation

ABSTRACT

An integrated semiconductor device includes a substrate of a first conductivity type, a buried layer located over the substrate, an isolated region located over a first portion of the buried layer, and an isolation trench located around the isolated region. A punch-through structure is located around at least a portion of the isolation trench. The punch-through structure includes a second portion of the buried layer, a first region located over the second portion of the buried layer, the first region having a second conductivity type, and a second region located over the first region, the second region having the first conductivity type.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate to deep trenchisolation and, specifically, deep trench isolation providing an improvedisolation breakdown voltage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic devices, especially semiconductor devices and integratedcircuits (ICs), often include multiple, separate semiconductor-basedcomponents fabricated on the same semiconductor substrate or die. Thecomponents usually operate independently from one another. Consequently,it can be desirable to provide electrical isolation between the variouscomponents that are fabricated upon the same substrate. In conventionaldevices, dielectric-lined trenches are often used for lateral isolationdue to their superior isolation properties and small area-consumption,while junction isolation is utilized for vertical isolation. As theoperating voltage and component density (components per unit area) onthe substrate increase, however, it often becomes difficult to maintainthe desired isolation breakdown voltage. Additionally, there can be atendency for the distribution of breakdown voltages observed across adie or wafer to widen with increased packing density of semiconductorcomponents, which can lead to lower manufacturing yields.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages allin accordance with the present inventive subject matter.

FIG. 1A is a simplified cross-sectional view of an exemplary electroniccircuit employing a prior art isolation structure.

FIG. 1B is a simplified cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronicdevice employing a number of prior art isolation structures formed overa single substrate.

FIG. 2A is a simplified cross-sectional view of an exemplary isolationstructure formed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a simplified cross-sectional view showing the isolationstructure of FIG. 2A duplicated across a substrate as a number ofseparate isolation structures.

FIG. 3A is a simplified cross-sectional view showing the isolationstructure of FIG. 2A including additional punch-through structures andisolation trenches formed about an isolated region.

FIG. 3B is a simplified cross-sectional view showing the isolationstructure of FIG. 3A, duplicated across a substrate as separateisolation structures.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for forming anisolation structure in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate to deep trenchisolation and, specifically, deep trench isolation providing an improvedisolation breakdown voltage.

In one implementation, an integrated semiconductor device includes asubstrate of a first conductivity type, a buried layer located over thesubstrate, an isolated region located over a first portion of the buriedlayer, and an isolation trench located around the isolated region. Apunch-through structure is located around at least a portion of theisolation trench. The punch-through structure includes a second portionof the buried layer, a first region located over the second portion ofthe buried layer, the first region having a second conductivity type,and a second region located over the first region, the second regionhaving the first conductivity type.

In another implementation, a method of manufacturing a device includesforming a buried layer over a substrate of a first conductivity type,and forming an isolation trench around an isolated region. The isolatedregion is disposed over a first portion of the buried layer. The methodincludes forming a punch-through structure around at least a portion ofthe isolation trench by forming a first region over a second portion ofthe buried layer, the first region having a second conductivity type,and forming a second region located over the first region, the secondregion having the first conductivity type

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of theinvention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by anyexpressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field,background, or the following detailed description.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figuresillustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions anddetails of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in thefigures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensionsof some of the elements or regions in the figures may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements or regions to help improve understanding ofembodiments of the invention.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth” and the like in thedescription and the claims, if any, may be used for distinguishingbetween similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particularsequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the termsso used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such thatthe embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example,capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated orotherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprise,”“include,” “have” and any variations thereof, are intended to covernon-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, orapparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited tothose elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed orinherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term“coupled,” as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectlyconnected in an electrical or non-electrical manner.

The various embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated bysemiconductor components and structures of particular conductivity typehaving various P and N doped regions appropriate for that conductivitytype device or structure. But this is merely for convenience ofexplanation and not intended to be limiting. Persons of skill in the artwill understand that components or structures of opposite conductivitytype may be provided by interchanging conductivity types so that aP-type region becomes an N-type region and vice versa. Alternatively,the particular regions illustrated in what follows may be more generallyreferred to as of a “first conductivity type” and a “second” oppositeconductivity type”, where the first conductivity type may be either N orP type and the second opposite conductivity type is then either P or Ntype, and so forth.

As used herein, the term “semiconductor” is intended to include anysemiconductor whether single crystal, poly-crystalline or amorphous andto include type IV semiconductors, non-type IV semiconductors, compoundsemiconductors as well as organic and inorganic semiconductors. Further,the terms “substrate” and “semiconductor substrate” are intended toinclude single crystal structures, polycrystalline structures, amorphousstructures, thin film structures, layered structures (e.g.,semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) structures), and combinations thereof.For convenience of explanation and not intended to be limiting,semiconductor components and methods of fabrication are described hereinfor silicon semiconductors but persons of skill in the art willunderstand that other semiconductor materials may also be used.

Within a semiconductor-based electronic device a number of independentsemiconductor components may be formed over a single substrate. Toensure that each semiconductor component operates correctly, thesemiconductor components are electrically isolated from one another andfrom the substrate using an isolation structure. Each component isformed within an isolated region of the isolation structure. For eachisolation structure, lateral isolation of the isolated region is oftenachieved by encircling the isolated region with an insulative trenchstructure configured to inhibit current flow from one component on thesubstrate to the next. Vertical isolation is achieved using junctionisolation between the isolated region and the substrate. The degree towhich each component is electrically isolated from surroundingcomponents and substrate affects the maximum voltage at which thesemiconductor device can operate.

The isolation voltage capability of a particular isolation structurerefers to the maximum voltage that an isolated region of the isolationstructure may be exposed to without affecting the operation of othersemiconductor components formed over the same substrate in a way that isdetrimental to the operation of the entire electronic device. If thevoltage of the isolated region is too great, some amount of currentsignificantly exceeding a normal leakage current begins to flow from theisolated region to other isolated regions or the substrate, which willcause the components in other isolated regions to malfunction and maycause significant power consumption, or even burning of the overalldevice. This current, sometimes referred to as cross-talk, limits themaximum voltage that may be utilized by the device, thereby limiting thecapabilities of the individual semiconductor components.

Within a particular semiconductor device a number of factors can operateto reduce the isolation breakdown voltage of a particular isolationstructure. First, as the number of components formed over a singlesubstrate increase, the density of the individual semiconductorcomponents on the substrate also increases. As the component densityincreases, the density of isolation trenches formed around thecomponents increases correspondingly. The trenches are generally linedwith an oxide material that is deposited into the trenches by chemicalvapor deposition (CVD) or thermal oxidation. As the trench densityincreases, the dense trench structure forms a large surface area thatmust be coated evenly with oxide material in order that the trenchesprovide the desired isolation. However, if the trench structure becomesso dense that the total amount of oxide material to be deposited reachesthe process limit, then deficiencies in the deposition process mayresult in the thickness of the oxide lining of the trenches becoming toothin in certain areas. These thin regions of oxide result in a lowerbreakdown voltage for the device. Experimentation has shown anapproximately 20V drop in breakdown voltage trench density increasesbeyond 10%.

In one embodiment, at maximum density (i.e., when the components arepacked together using minimum spacing design rules at a density ofapproximately 34.9%), the isolation voltage capability can be reduced byas much as 15%, if not greater.

Table 1, below, shows isolation breakdown voltage data for an examplesemiconductor device and relates component density percentage (%) toisolation voltage breakdown capability in volts (V).

TABLE 1 Density Isolation Voltage Breakdown Capability Less then 0.7% 102 V  6.3% 102.1 V   9.2%  102 V 17.1% 89.1 V 20.2% 89.3 V 25.1% 88.5V 29.9% 86.6 V 34.9% 85.6 V

Another factor that affects the isolation breakdown voltage for aparticular isolation structure is temperature stresses over theoperational lifetime of the component. During one exemplaryhigh-temperature operating lifetime (HTOL) stress test conducted at 150Celsius, 80V, and for 1,000 hours, the isolation breakdown voltage of arelatively dense-structure device (with density over 10%) can be reducedby approximately 2V to 5V due to charge injection and capture occurringin the polysilicon-oxide-silicon structure of the isolation trenches. Inmany devices this reduction can cause the device to fail to satisfydevice operating requirements.

FIG. 1A is a simplified cross-sectional view of an exemplary electroniccircuit employing a prior art isolation structure. Device 10 is formedover substrate layer 12, over which a number of semiconductor devices,isolation walls, or other structures may be formed. In FIG. 1A,substrate layer 12 may include a P++-type region. P EPI region 14,therefore is formed within substrate layer 12. P EPI layer 14 includesthree regions. Region 16 of P EPI layer 14 occupies a region outsidetrench 24. Region 18 of P EPI layer 14 occupies a region outside trench26. Region 20 of P EPI layer 14 is positioned below isolated region 30.

N-type buried layer (NBL) 32 is formed over region 20 of P EPI layer 14.N-type regions 34 and 36 are formed over NBL 32 and may be electricallyinterconnected, such as by connection 48. In various implementations,N-type regions 34 and 36 may be formed in contact with trench regions 24and 26, or away from trench regions 24 and 26, but within isolatedregion 30. N-type regions 34 and 36 may be formed so as to encircle aportion of isolated region 30. Alternatively, N-type regions 34 and 36may be formed along one or more walls of isolated region 30, or alongportions of one or more walls of isolated region 30.

Polysilicon 40 and 42 are disposed into trenches 24 and 26,respectively. Polysilicon 40 and 42 sometimes operates to providestructural support to isolation structure 10 and provide protection fromenvironmental shock, such as result from thermal expansion of isolationstructure 10 during operation of one or more of the semiconductordevices formed over substrate layer 12. Oxide layer 46 is formed aboutpolysilicon 40 and 42.

After the formation of NBL 32, trenches 24 and 26 (and correspondingoxide 46 and polysilicon 40 and 42), and N-type regions 34 and 36,isolated region 30 is electrically isolated and can be used freely tobuild components and/or circuitry within isolated region 30. As such,there may be a number of N-type and/or P-type regions formed withinisolated region 30 after the desired components and/or circuitry areformed.

To provide that the semiconductor components operate correctly (withoutinterfering with the operation of other nearby components), isolatedregion 30 is isolated laterally and vertically. Lateral isolation (i.e.,electrical isolation from other components formed over substrate layer12) is generally provided to isolated region 30 by oxide 46 depositedinto one or more trenches formed about the semiconductor component incombination with N type regions 34 and 36. Vertical isolation (i.e.,electrical isolation from substrate layer 12) of isolated region 30 isprovided by NBL 32 and, particularly, the junction between NBL 32 andregion 20 of P EPI 14. The junction between NBL 32 and P EPI 14 forms aPN junction that is generally reverse-biased, providing electricalisolation to isolated region 30 up to the isolation breakdown voltage ofthe component. In such a configuration, the lateral isolation providedby oxide 46 provides more effective isolation than the verticalisolation provided by the junction between NBL 32 and P EPI 14.Accordingly, the vertical isolation provided by the PN junction betweenNBL 32 and P EPI 14 becomes a limiting factor for the isolationbreakdown voltage of the structure. The weakest points of isolation aregenerally found at the regions indicated by dashed circles 41 and 43depicted on FIG. 1A. Thus, this breakdown voltage of the entireisolation structure may be referred to as the substrate breakdownvoltage, or BV_(sub). Given a particular BV_(sub) for an isolationstructure, the structure is then given a rated isolation voltage(V_(iso,rated)) which, when the isolation structure 10 is operated atV_(iso,rated), provides enough margin for safe operation of theisolation structure.

The details of the devices located in isolated region 30 have beenomitted in the various drawings, since these details are not importantto the present disclosure. In general, one or more of a transistor, aresistor, a diode, a capacitor and the like, and combinations thereof,may be formed within isolated region 30.

The isolation structure depicted in FIG. 1A can be repeated over aparticular substrate to isolate a number of separate components. Forexample, FIG. 1B is a simplified cross-sectional view of an exemplaryelectronic device employing a number of prior art isolation structuresformed over a single substrate. In FIG. 1B, the isolation structure 10depicted in FIG. 1A has been repeated a number of times over a singlesubstrate to include isolation structures 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c, each ofisolation structures 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c include isolated regions inwhich different components or devices may be formed.

Returning to FIG. 1A, isolated region 30 is isolated so that thesemiconductor component formed therein may operate at any voltagebetween 0V and the rated isolation voltage V_(iso,rated) of theisolation structure. In an example component that may employ thestructure shown in FIG. 1A, the breakdown voltage BV_(sub) can beapproximately 110V, enabling a component to safely operate presuming anisolation breakdown voltage V_(iso,rated) of 80V (with a sufficientmargin-of-error to meet operating requirements). Accordingly, thevoltage within isolated region 30 can vary from 0V to 80V during normalcomponent operations. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1A, whenisolated region 30 operates at a particular potential at the positionindicated by label V1 in FIG. 1A, NBL 32 shares the same potential.Substrate layer 12 is also set to a potential (usually a referencevoltage, such as ground) indicated by the label V3 on FIG. 1A, which isshared with P EPI 14. Polysilicon 40 and 42 are surrounded by oxide 46and each has a floating potential (indicated by label V2 on FIG. 1A). Assuch, the potentials of polysilicon 40 and 42 are free to float andbecome coupled to a potential influenced by V1 and V3 (the coupling isanalogous to capacitive coupling). For example, if V1 is equal toV_(iso,rated) for a conventional device (e.g., 80V), and V3 is equal to0V, the voltage V2 may float to approximately 20V. Accordingly, theentire voltage V_(iso,rated) is dropped across the weakest part of theisolation structure at locations 41 and 43.

In the present system, to mitigate the problems associated withconventional isolation approaches, including the reduction in BV_(sub)resulting from increased component density and HTOL operatingconditions, an alternative isolation approach is presented. The presentisolation structure includes one or more isolation trench rings formedaround the central isolated region. Each of the additional isolationtrench rings is paired with a punch-through structure configured toreduce the potential subjected to the weak points of the isolationstructure (see, for example, regions 41 and 43 of FIG. 1A). Thisapproach can be used to control the potential difference between NBLregions of the different trenches as well as pull-up the potential ofthe polysilicon plug inside each isolation trench. In this manner, ahigher BV_(sub) can be achieved for the structure, even at highercomponent densities.

In various implementations, the isolation structure may include two ormore punch-through structures, each separated by isolation trench rings.For example, the structure may be formed with an inner trench ringaround an isolated region, a first punch-through structure about atleast a portion of the inner trench ring, a middle trench ring formedaround the first punch-through structure and isolated region, a secondpunch-through structure formed about at least a portion of the middletrench ring, and an outer trench ring formed around the secondpunch-through structure and the middle trench ring. In this manner,additional isolation structures including two or more punch-throughstructures may be fabricated.

When incorporating multiple punch-through structures into the isolationstructure, the configuration of the various punch-through structures canbe selected to achieve optimal device performance.

The present isolation structure may be utilized to isolate a number ofdifferent semiconductors components that may be formed over a substrate.Accordingly, when multiple semiconductor components are formed over asubstrate, one or more of those components may be provided within thepresent isolation structure. In that case, the various isolationstructures may optionally be separated by P well regions, though suchstructures are optional. Depending upon the system requirements, only asubset of the semiconductor components within a particular device may beisolated. Or, alternatively, all components may be isolated using theapproach of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary isolation structureformed in accordance with the present disclosure. Isolation structure200 is formed over substrate 202 that may be of a first conductivitytype, such as a p-type substrate. In some implementations, substrate 202can have the format depicted of the substrate layer 12 of FIG. 1A (i.e.,P-EPI/P+ substrate), though other substrate configurations may beutilized. A highly doped buried layer 204, of opposite conductivity fromsubstrate 202, is formed over substrate 202. Isolation trenches 206,208, 210, and 212 are formed in substrate 202, partially penetratingthrough the highly doped buried layer 204 and forming portions 204 a,204 b, and 204 c of the highly doped buried layer 204. In someimplementations, where the trenches are formed all the way aroundisolated region 242, trenches 208 and 210 form different parts of asingle trench that wraps around isolated region 242. Similarly, trenches206 and 212 may form part of a single trench that wraps around isolatedregion 242. Within each of isolation trenches 206, 208, 210, and 212,oxide 214, 216, 218, and 220, respectively, are deposited. Polysiliconplugs 222, 224, 226, and 228 are formed within each of oxide 214, 216,218, and 220, respectively.

Regions 230 and 232 are formed over portions 204 a and 204 c,respectively, of the highly doped buried layer 204 between trenches 206and 208, and 210 and 212, respectively. Regions 230 and 232 aregenerally of the same conductivity type to that of substrate 202.

Regions 234 and 236 are formed over regions 230 and 232. Regions 234 and236 are generally of an opposite conductivity type to regions 230 and232 and, therefore, together form a punch-through structure.

Regions 238 and 240, having the same conductivity type as highly dopedburied layer 204, are formed over portion 204 b of highly doped buriedlayer 204. Regions 238 and 240 may be formed so as to encircle a portionof isolated region 242. Alternatively, regions 238 and 240 may be formedalong one or more walls of isolated region 242, or along portions of oneor more walls of isolated region 242.

Isolated region 242 (generally having a conductivity type that isopposite from that of substrate 202) is defined by the surroundingstructures and is positioned over portion 204 b of highly doped buriedlayer 204 and between regions 238 and 240. Isolated region 242 forms apocket within which one or more electronic devices or components 243,such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors may be formed. Ingeneral, isolated region 242 can be used freely to build componentsand/or circuitry. As such, there may be a number of N-type and/or P-typeregions formed within isolated region 242 after the desired componentsand/or circuitry are formed.

Finally, each of regions 234, 236, 238, and 240 can be electricallyinterconnected, as shown by connection 244.

As described above, isolation structure 200, depicted in FIG. 2A,provides an improved BV_(sub) over conventional isolation structures. Ingeneral, the punch-through structures created by the junctions betweenregions 234 and 236 and regions 230 and 232, respectively, operate todistribute the potentially more evenly across the whole isolationstructure. As such, the electrical field formed within the isolationstructure is spread out across the main isolation junction beneathisolated region 242 as well as the isolation junctions of the additionalisolation trench rings and punch-through structures.

For example, with reference to FIG. 2A, isolated region 242 is set to apotential represented by the label V1 on FIG. 2A. In that case, theportion 204 b of buried layer 204 under isolated region 242, and regions234 and 236 each share the same potential V1. However, due to the PNjunctions formed by the interaction of regions 234 and 236 with regions230 and 232, respectively, the potential of the portions 204 a and 204 cof buried layer 204 under regions 230 and 232 are reduced by some amountbelow V1 to a lower potential V3. For example, if V1 is set to aV_(iso,rated) of 80V, V3 may be equal to approximately 60V.

Polysilicon 224 and 226 are surrounded by oxide 216 and 218,respectively, and each have a floating potential (indicated by label V2on FIG. 2A). As such, the potential of polysilicon 224 and 226 is freeto float and become coupled to a potential falling somewhere between V1and V3 (the coupling is analogous to capacitive coupling). With V1 equalto 80V and V3 equal to 60V, the voltage V2 may float to approximately40V, for example. In this example, because the difference between V1 andV2 is reduced over a conventional device, the portion 204 b of buriedlayer 204 under isolated region 242 experiences a stronger field-plateeffect offered by higher potential of polysilicon 224 and 226, resultingin less electrical field at the weakest point of the isolation structure(indicated by dashed circles 225 and 227). In this manner, the weakpoints 225 and 227 of isolation structure 200 are able to sustain higherbiasing voltage, in other words, higher isolation breakdown voltage,BV_(sub).

Surrounding the second isolation trench structure, substrate 202 is at areference potential (V5), which may be set to 0V or other referencevoltage. Polysilicon 222 and 228 are surrounded by oxide 214 and 220,respectively and each have a floating potential (indicated by label V4on FIG. 2A). As such, the potential of polysilicon 222 and 228 is freeto float and becomes coupled to a potential (V4) falling somewherebetween V3 and V5 (the coupling is analogous to capacitive coupling).For example, in this example V3 may be equal to 60V and V5 is equal toground. As such, the voltage V4 may float to approximately 20V.Accordingly, in the second trench the difference between V3 and V5 isonly 60V, again resulting in reduced electrical field at the weakestpoints of the isolation structure (indicated by dashed circles 223 and229) compared to that of the conventional isolation structure depictedin FIG. 1A. Accordingly, the weakest points of the structure depicted inFIG. 2A (indicated by dashed circles 223 and 229) are able to sustainhigher biasing voltage, in other words, higher isolation voltage BVsub.

As discussed above, the isolation structure 200 may be duplicated anynumber of times across a single substrate to provide electricalisolation to one or more electronic components formed over thatsubstrate. FIG. 2B, for example, shows the isolation structure 200 ofFIG. 2A, duplicated across a substrate 202 as separate isolationstructures 200 a, 200 b, and 200 c. Different electronic components maybe formed within the isolated regions 242 of each of isolationstructures 200 a, 200 b, and 200 c, which are then electrically isolatedfrom one another.

In some cases, as described above, multiple sets of isolation trenchesand corresponding punch-through structures may be at least partiallyformed about an isolated region to provide electrical isolation thereto.FIG. 3A, therefore, depicts an exemplary isolation structure 300including additional punch-through structures and isolation trenchesformed about an isolated region. Specifically, isolation structure 300includes the isolation structure 200 depicted in FIG. 3A, but withadditional punch-through structures and corresponding isolationtrenches.

In FIG. 3A, additional isolation trenches 302, 304, 306, and 308 areformed over substrate 202. Oxide 310, 312, 314, and 316, as well ascorresponding polysilicon 318, 320, 322, and 324, are formed in each ofisolation trenches 302, 304, 306, and 308, respectively.

Punch-through structures are then formed between each of the additionalisolation trenches. Specifically, regions 326, 328, 330, and 332 areformed over portions of highly doped buried layer 204. Regions 326, 328,330, and 332 are generally of the same conductivity type as that ofsubstrate 202. Over each of regions 326, 328, 330, and 332, regions 334,336, 338 and 340 are formed, respectively. Regions 334, 336, 338 and 340are generally of the opposite conductivity type to that of substrate202.

Isolation structure 300, therefore, includes three-punch structuresformed at either side or about a portion of isolated region 242. Region334 and 326 form part of a first punch-through structure. Region 336 and328 form part of a second punch-through structure. Region 234 and 230form part of a third punch-through structure. Region 236 and 232 formpart of a fourth punch-through structure. Region 338 and 330 form partof a fifth punch-through structure. Region 340 and 332 form part of asixth punch-through structure.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the depth and doping concentration of each ofthe punch-through structures (and, specifically, regions 334, 336, 234,236, 338, and 340) is adjusted to modify the punch-through voltage ofeach structure. In one implementation, the regions are configured sothat the punch-through voltage of each punch-through structure isincreased moving away from the central isolated region 242. This can beachieved by gradually reducing the depth or height of regions 234, 336,and 336, moving inward to outward, as depicted in FIG. 3A. Also asdepicted in FIG. 3A, the depth or height of regions 236, 338, and 340 isalso reduced, moving inward to outward, by a corresponding amount. Byreducing the depth or height of the portions of each punch-throughstructure that have the opposite conductivity type to the substrate 202(i.e., regions 334, 336, 234, 236, 338, and 340), and correspondinglyincreasing the height of the portions of the punch through structuresthat are the same conductivity type as the substrate 202 (i.e., regions326, 328, 230, 232, 330, and 332), moving away from the isolatedregions, the voltage drop across the portions of the buried layer undereach punch-through structure is reduced, thereby reducing the burden onthe weakest parts of the isolation structure. Accordingly, thisconfiguration provides that the electrical field formed within theisolation structure is spread out across the main isolation junctionbeneath isolated region 242 as well as the isolation junctions of theadditional isolation trench rings and punch-through structures. In oneimplementation, the punch-through structures are configured to achievean approximately 10V-30V higher punch-through voltage for eachadditional isolation trench ring moving away from the central isolatedregion.

As discussed above, the isolation structure 300 may be duplicated anynumber of times across a single substrate to provide electricalisolation to one or more electronic components formed over thatsubstrate. FIG. 3B, for example, shows the isolation structure 300 ofFIG. 3A, duplicated across a substrate 202 as separate isolationstructures 300 a and 300 b. Different electronic components may beformed within the isolated regions of each of isolation structures 300 aand 300 b, which are then electrically isolated from one another.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for forming anisolation structure in accordance with the present disclosure. In step400 a substrate is provided. The substrate may be of any appropriateconductivity type and may include one or more layers of differingmaterials, as required. In step 402, a buried layer is formed over orwithin the substrate. The buried layer may be formed, in oneimplementation, by doping, e.g. by ion implantation and subsequentthermal annealing. For example, by using a blanket i.e. non-maskedapproach, a sheet resistance of about 10 to 15 Ohms/square can beachieved.

In step 404, an isolation trench is formed over or within the substrate.The isolation trench defines at least a portion of an isolated region ofthe isolation structure. The isolation trench may be formed by etching atrench into the substrate, where the trench extends a number ofmicrometers into the substrate through the buried layer. Accordingly,the trench extends through the buried layer and ends in the substrate.After the trench is etched, a thick isolation layer can be grown ordeposited on the trench sidewalls. This can be oxide, nitride, or acombination of both, for example. The remaining trench can then befilled with a filling material like polysilicon, i.e. a conductivematerial.

Finally, in step 406, a punch-through structure is formed. The punchthrough structure may be formed around a portion of the isolationtrench, or may be formed about the entirety of the isolation trench. Thepunch-through structure includes a portion of the buried layer, suchthat a reverse bias of the second portion of the buried layer to thesubstrate is less than a reverse bias of the first portion of the buriedlayer of the substrate due to the punch-through structure. Generally,the punch-through structure includes a first region over the portion ofthe buried layer that is of the same conductivity type of the substrate.A second region, having an opposite conductivity type to that of thesubstrate, is then formed over the first region. The first and secondregions of the punch-through structure located over the buried layer maybe formed by any suitable doping or deposition process.

The present disclosure describes various embodiments with reference tothe Figures, in which like numbers represent the same or similarelements. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The described features, structures, or characteristics of the inventionmay be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Inthe description, numerous specific details are recited to provide athorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or with othermethods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The described steps of any method described herein are indicative of oneembodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may beconceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one ormore steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method.Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explainthe logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit thescope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may beemployed in the flow-chart diagrams, they are understood not to limitthe scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or otherconnectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method.For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period ofunspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method.Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or maynot strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

The present disclosure has been provided in terms of one or morepreferred embodiments, and it should be appreciated that manyequivalents, alternatives, variations, and modifications, aside fromthose expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated semiconductor device, comprising: asubstrate of a first conductivity type; a buried layer located over thesubstrate; an isolated region located over a first portion of the buriedlayer; an isolation trench located around the isolated region; and apunch-through structure located around at least a portion of theisolation trench, the punch-through structure including: a secondportion of the buried layer, a first region located over the secondportion of the buried layer, the first region having the firstconductivity type, and a second region located over the first region,the second region having a second conductivity type.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein, when the isolated region is set to a greater than zeropotential with respect to the substrate, a voltage across the secondportion of the buried layer to the substrate is less than a voltageacross the first portion of the buried layer to the substrate.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, including a second isolation trench located aroundthe punch-through structure.
 4. The device of claim 3, including asecond punch-through structure located around at least a portion of thesecond isolation trench, the second punch-through structure including athird portion of the buried layer.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein,when the isolated region is set to the greater than zero potential withrespect to the substrate, a voltage across the third portion of theburied layer to the substrate is less than a voltage across the firstportion of the buried layer to the substrate.
 6. The device of claim 4,wherein the second punch-through structure includes: a third regionlocated over the third portion of the buried layer, the third regionhaving the first conductivity type, and a fourth region located over thethird region, the fourth region having the second conductivity type 7.The device of claim 6, wherein a depth of the first region of the firstpunch-through structure is greater than a depth of the third region ofthe second punch-through structure.
 8. The device of claim 4, includinga third isolation trench located around the second punch-throughstructure.
 9. The device of claim 1, including a polysilicon materialdisposed within the isolation trench.
 10. The device of claim 9,including an oxide located around the polysilicon material.
 11. Thedevice of claim 10, wherein the punch-through structure is configured topull-up a potential of the polysilicon material disposed within theisolation trench when the isolated region is set to the greater thanzero potential with respect to the substrate.
 12. The device of claim 1,including a transistor, a resistor, a diode, or a capacitor located atleast partially within the isolated region.
 13. The device of claim 1,including an insulation region located within the isolated region, theinsulation region having a conductivity type being the same as aconductivity type of the buried layer. 14-20. (canceled)
 21. Anintegrated semiconductor device, comprising: a substrate of a firstconductivity type; a buried layer located over the substrate; anisolated region located over a first portion of the buried layer, theisolated region having a conductivity type opposite of the firstconductivity type; an isolation trench located around the isolatedregion; and a punch-through structure located around at least a portionof the isolation trench, the punch-through structure including: a secondportion of the buried layer, a first region located over the secondportion of the buried layer, the first region having the firstconductivity type, and a second region located over the first region,the second region having a second conductivity type.
 22. The device ofclaim 21, including a second isolation trench located around thepunch-through structure.
 23. The device of claim 22, including a secondpunch-through structure located around at least a portion of the secondisolation trench, the second punch-through structure including a thirdportion of the buried layer.
 24. The device of claim 23, wherein thesecond punch-through structure includes: a third region located over thethird portion of the buried layer, the third region having the firstconductivity type, and a fourth region located over the third region,the fourth region having the second conductivity type
 25. The device ofclaim 24, wherein a depth of the first region of the first punch-throughstructure is greater than a depth of the third region of the secondpunch-through structure.
 26. The device of claim 21, including aninsulation region located within the isolated region, the insulationregion having a conductivity type being the same as a conductivity typeof the buried layer.
 27. An integrated semiconductor device, comprising:a substrate of a first conductivity type; a buried layer located overthe substrate; an isolated region located over a first portion of theburied layer; a first isolation trench located around the isolatedregion; a second isolation trench located around the first isolationtrench; and a punch-through structure located between at least a portionof the first isolation trench and a portion of the second isolationtrench, the punch-through structure including: a second portion of theburied layer, a first region located over the second portion of theburied layer, the first region having the first conductivity type, and asecond region located over the first region, the second region having asecond conductivity type.